"Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in." --Abraham Lincoln, March 9, 1832 First Political Announcement

Issues

In 2010, there will be several key issues addressed by the Mississippi Legislature. To stay informed week by week of the Legislature's progress (or lack thereof), please email me to be added to my weekly e-newsletter. Thanks!

FY 2011 Budget
As we approach this session, it is imperative legislators work together to present practical, responsible solutions in order to pass a balanced budget for fiscal year 2011. Solutions in reaching this will not be politically popular. However, many of the hard decisions we'll make as a legislature might set us up to operate more efficiently in the long. (read more...)
Early Childhood Education
As I become more immersed in education policy, both at the K-12 and higher education levels, as well as research policy viewpoints aimed at combating poverty, studies point to early childhood education as one of the most potent tools communities should develop. (read more...)

Aside from important statewide legislation, there are several items of importance to the Pine Belt and the city of Hattiesburg.

* Adding an additional circuit judgeship for the Forrest/Perry County district
* Promoting state support of the Adept School dropout recovery program
* Government transparency; making earmarks and bid awards accessible to the public on a searchable website
* Promoting state support of the DuBard School, Children's Center for Communication and Development and the Karnes School of Gifted Studies
* Supporting the Southeast Mississippi Trauma Care Network
* Helping small businesses provide health insurance and with inducements for private investment